Step into the past with a grand performance at a historic opera house. For visitors to the midwest or southern United States, a variety of historic opera houses and performance halls are open to the public in all their splendor.

Whether you’re visiting Sioux City, Iowa or St. Louis, Missouri, one of the “can’t miss” sites on your list should be a visit to their historic district’s theater. Old-fashioned opera houses and performance halls are scattered across America, featuring original or restored interiors that amaze visitors with their splendor.

Visitors to the midwest can catch a Broadway road tour or chamber orchestra performance at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown historic Sioux City. Its elegant interior is complete with balcony seating, curving staircase, and elegant chandelier feels like a step back in time. A polished wood bar and old-fashioned “ladies lounge” in the basement completes the classy atmosphere.

For visitors to Van Buren, Arkansas, the King Opera House tops the list of attractions. The lavish interior and rich history go hand in hand with the town’s historic feel. The sense of history within the theater’s restored auditorium sets the stage for tragedy, drama, and even a chilling ghost story regarding the “haunted” nature of the theater.

Quaint yet elegant, the Landers Theater in Springfield, Missouri, is resplendent with stained glass windows, an old-fashioned box office, and a beautifully restored auditorium. Home to the local community theater, rich velvet draps and stunning colored motifs dominate the small auditorium, whose beautiful features include decorative metalwork along the rows of seats and tiny balcony boxes framing the stage. Situated in the downtown district, Landers shares its reputation for restored history with neighboring theater the Vandivort and Springfield’s latest renovation, the elegant Gillioz Theater.

St. Louis visitors can enjoy the latest Broadway road tour or a star-studded performance at the breathtaking Fox Theater. This elegant, historic playhouse features elaborate motifs, ceiling murals, and ornaments inspired by Indian themes, complete with gilded elephants, velvet drapes, and a glowing chandelier. The massive stage has played host to legendary musicals, included the “Les Miserables” farewell road tour and the hot Broadway sensation “Wicked”.

These are only a handful of the historic opera houses and theaters across the south and midwest that are still in operation. Experience a part of theater history in their elegant interiors and unforgettable performances.